I thought I would mix it up a little today and tell you what I’ve been wearing on my face lately. In the summer, I like to use as few products as possible since the heat and humidity can cause heavier makeup to slide and cake up on your face. This summer, I am totally loving the monochromatic bronzed look because it is 1) super quick 2) incredibly easy- even for a total makeup novice- and 3) is a look that is easily dressed up for evening. Golden/ bronzy tones are flattering on every skin tone, making this look very versatile. It simply enhances your natural look and adds a little glow in just the right places. Here’s what I use to achieve the look, but keep in mind that you can use similar products you already own to get the same result.

I start by smoothing a tinted sunscreen all over my face. I’m really loving the Suntegrity 5 in 1 face sunscreen in the shade light. I can usually pick it up at Dermstore for 20% off. It is a mineral based sunscreen with an ultra pure ingredient list. It blends in seamlessly to the skin, blurring imperfections with minimal coverage. If you have any blemishes, redness or dark under eye circles, you can also add a touch of concealer. I’ve been using the Duo-Phase Concealer by Christopher Drummond Beauty and really like it. You only have to use the tiniest amount (and I’m talking pin head sized) to get full coverage.

Next, I sweep a bronzer all along my cheekbones, on my temples and along my jawline. Currently, I’m loving the RMS buruti bronzer because it gives a natural glow to the face without that disco ball effect you can get from shimmery bronzers. As an added bonus, all of the RMS beauty line is formulated with completely natural ingredients that are good for your skin.

For the eyes, I keep things simple with a quick sweep of gold eyeshadow, some brow enhancing and tight lining across the upper lash line. I got a freebie eyeshadow from Bare Minerals called Summer and it is seriously the most gorgeous mix of brown and gold. It brings the perfect amount of light to the eyes, while still managing to look natural. I then use an ashy brown shadow (Tease from the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette) to fill in any sparse spots in my brows. Defining your brows is a must with a minimal makeup look because it frames the face and brings attention to the eyes. I tight line with a soft black pencil along the upper lash line to create the illusion of fuller lashes. This also allows me to get away with a quick curl of my eyelashes and no mascara (i.e. no raccoon eyes from heat-induced runny mascara).

I usually finish off the look with an ultra sheer balm that has a slight peachy shimmer to it. I’ve been using Brilliant Lip Boost from Gressa Skin, which is full of natural plant oils to keep my lips hydrated in the heat.

And there you have it…an ultra flattering summer look you can achieve in less than 5 minutes with just a few products. Thanks for indulging me and letting me rant about the beauty products I’m currently loving. I may pop a few of these posts in now and again if you don’t mind!

Recently, a friend suggested I start posting more about my secret obsession (not so secret anymore!) with natural skin and body care. The more I read about the harmful chemicals and preservatives we put in our skincare, the more I obsess about finding natural alternatives. The good news is that often you don’t have to look much further than your kitchen to find ingredients that really work and that are good for your skin, hair and body. Everyone’s body is different so what works for one person doesn’t always work for the next, but here are a few of the single ingredient items I keep stashed in my bathroom.

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: Is there anything this oil doesn’t do? I absolutely love it as an all over body moisturizer, and perhaps my favorite use for it is as an eye makeup remover. More effective than anything else I have tried, coconut oil is excellent at dissolving even waterproof makeup. As a bonus, it adds extra moisture to your eyes and it smells delicious!

Organic Raw Honey: Honey is antimicrobial and moisturizing so it makes a great cleanser. Ideally, you should rinse or wipe your makeup off and then gently massage the honey into your skin. You can let it sit for a few minutes or immediately wipe it off with a warm wet wash cloth. It is important to get raw organic honey because pasteurization kills all of the good bacteria in the honey.

Argan Oil: I had heard a bunch of hype about the wonders of this oil for your skin and hair, and even bought a bottle of argan hair oil, only to be unimpressed by the fact that the oil was heavily diluted with fillers. The key is to get pure argan oil that has not been diluted by any fillers. It’s not cheap, but it will last you forever. I am in love with what it does to my hair. I drop 4-5 drops (less is more) in my hand and warm it in between my fingers. I then massage it into my hair, concentrating on the ends. It leaves my hair so much softer and less frizzy than it normally is. I also use it on my curly headed little peanut and it adds definition and softness to her curls. I also use this as the base for the face oil I am using currently. It’s a great choice for your face because it won’t clog your pores and absorbs quickly.

Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar: Great for restoring the Ph balance to your skin and hair. In the summer, when my hair tends to be a bit oilier, I like to use it as a clarifying hair rinse. You can also use it as a toner for your skin by applying a few drops to a makeup pad and diluting it with water. Make sure that the vinegar you use is raw with the mother still in it because that is where all the good nourishing tidbits are.

There you have it! Have you tried any of these ingredients? What do you think? Also, I’d love to hear what you all think of these types of posts. Do you want to see more of them?